Downtown Overlay District

***The full Municipal Downtown Overlay District Ordinance (17.208) is available here.
***Large-scaled version of the District Maps are available here.

The Downtown Design Overlay District is created to foster excellence in the design of the built environment in the Downtown. Architectural design of projects within the District should fit comfortably within the existing fabric of the City and stand the test of time by remaining functional and ageless over a period of many years. Design standards shall address the quality of architecture, urban design, and public space to ensure the success of the project and for the benefit of the community. The main value and purpose of the Downtown Design Overlay District is to provide clarity and focus on the design of Downtown projects, consistent with the purposes stated herein. New development should be sympathetic to Oconomowoc’s Downtown Design purposes and goals. Although a development may be larger or taller than that seen historically or incorporate contemporary design elements and materials, it should also reflect the design context, appropriate massing and traditions of its character of the blocks and streets on which it is located.

The purposes and goals of the Downtown Design Overlay District are intended to provide context and guidance for the Architectural Commission in their consideration of discussing and recommending conditions to ensure an attractive, vibrant and sustainable downtown area on a project-by-project basis.